Sunshine is the character of the sun and love is the character of God. Even if momentarily dark clouds appear to hide the sun from our view, we are certain that the sun is still there and it would continue to shine. My actions or inactions cannot stop God from loving; however, my actions or inactions can prevent me from experiencing fully the love of God.
In our First Reading, the Lord gives the reason for his choice of Israel: “It was not because you were more in number than any other people that the LORD set his love upon you and chose you, for you were the fewest of all peoples; but it is because the LORD loves you” (Deut. 7:7-8). In other words, his choice is based purely on his nature – God is love.
The love of God shown to Israel is extended to the whole human race as expressed in our Second Reading: “…God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him” (1 Jn. 4:7, 9).
Now comes the heart of the matter. In broad daylight, I can chose to hide myself in a dark closet and keep away from the rays of the sun. Similarly, many starve themselves of love not because they are not loved by God but because they insulate themselves from the love of God. Jesus in our Gospel text invites every one of us to come and experience the warmth of God’s love in these words: “Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Mt. 11:28-29)
Yes, “What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer. Oh what peace we often forfeit. Oh what needless pain we bear. All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer? "(Joseph M. Scriven).
Are you burdened with a problem? Are you faced with a challenge? Is there something troubling you? The sacred heart of Jesus invites you to experience the warmth of his love.
It is only when we avail ourselves to be loved by God that we can confidently go forth to love one another, for we cannot give what we do not have.
PRAYER: Eternal Father, ‘like the sunflower that follows every movement of the sun’, I turn towards you to experience your love that sets the captive free.
In our First Reading, the Lord gives the reason for his choice of Israel: “It was not because you were more in number than any other people that the LORD set his love upon you and chose you, for you were the fewest of all peoples; but it is because the LORD loves you” (Deut. 7:7-8). In other words, his choice is based purely on his nature – God is love.
The love of God shown to Israel is extended to the whole human race as expressed in our Second Reading: “…God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him” (1 Jn. 4:7, 9).
Now comes the heart of the matter. In broad daylight, I can chose to hide myself in a dark closet and keep away from the rays of the sun. Similarly, many starve themselves of love not because they are not loved by God but because they insulate themselves from the love of God. Jesus in our Gospel text invites every one of us to come and experience the warmth of God’s love in these words: “Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Mt. 11:28-29)
Yes, “What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer. Oh what peace we often forfeit. Oh what needless pain we bear. All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer? "(Joseph M. Scriven).
Are you burdened with a problem? Are you faced with a challenge? Is there something troubling you? The sacred heart of Jesus invites you to experience the warmth of his love.
It is only when we avail ourselves to be loved by God that we can confidently go forth to love one another, for we cannot give what we do not have.
PRAYER: Eternal Father, ‘like the sunflower that follows every movement of the sun’, I turn towards you to experience your love that sets the captive free.
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